Page 38 of Flirting with the Scrooge

I tap my chin. “A lot of business professionals, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs. Basically, anyone who’s anyone got an invite.” He glances at the clouds. My stomach turns with each passing second that he doesn’t say anything. “Please help me. I need your help.” I flash him the sweetest smile I can, hoping he’ll take pity on me.

His head falls and his gaze meets mine. “Fine, but the suit’s going to be extra.”

“Yes!” I wrap my arms around his waist in a quick hug. His hand runs up and down my back before I pull away. “What do you want?

“Another IOU.”

“Done.” I pivot on my heel. Mission accomplished.

“Hey! What about the cookies? Those are mine.”

I spin around, holding up the plate. “What? These cookies?”

“Yeah. Aren’t those for me?”

“You can have them for an IOU.” I flash him a devilish smile.

He pauses. His gaze flits between me and the cookies. “You drive a hard bargain, Tinsel, but deal.”

With the cookies in my hand, I stretch my arm out and he snatches them from my grip. “I’ll let you know the details.”

“It’s a date.” He winks at me while shoving the other half of the cookie into his mouth before closing the door.

What did I get myself into?

NINETEEN

MAKE HIM JEALOUS

Connor

This isn’t a big deal. I’m just doing a favor for a friend. Then why are my palms so sweaty? We’re friends right? Friends who fuck, maybe? Well, fucked once, but I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to making it plural. I run my hands down the sides of my black slacks. It’s been years since I’ve been on a date. But is this an actual date? No. I’m just a friend doing a favor for another friend. At the end there will be no kiss good night. No lingering glances at each other. Even if she bites her lower lip in that sexy way that makes my dick twitch. No. None of that. I scrub my hand down my beard. Fuck. I’m more worried about being her date than I am about anyone finding out who I am. When she told me their occupations I felt more at ease. If I had to guess, they don’t listen to a lot of rock music.

Her use of the words “fake date” flash in my mind like a neon sign. So this isn’t actually a date. That’s all she wants. No feelings. So then why am I disappointed she didn’t call it a date? Once again, I have to remind myself I’m not staying. This is only temporary.

Since I didn’t bring a suit with me because I wasn’t expecting to be asked to a charity gala, I went out and bought one. Luckily, I found a seamstress who could hem the pants for me on such short notice.

When Tatum told me the time of the event, I insisted I’d pick her up at her house since I was her date and all, so I jump in my truck and back it out of my driveway right into hers. Leaving my truck running so it stays warm, I climb out, grab the gift I bought for her, and stroll to the door. I lightly knock and only a few seconds tick by before it opens. One look at her and I forget how to breathe. She’s absolutely stunning in the deep navy dress that hugs all her mouthwatering curves. Somehow, it even makes her blue eyes shine even brighter. Everything about not kissing her flies right out the window. My hand twitches to grab her and claim her as mine. Make her forget about her ex-boyfriend. Instead, I shove my hand into my front pocket to restrain myself and use my words. “You’re so beautiful. Perfection.”

A pink blush covers her cheeks. She brushes a lock of hair behind her ear. “Thank you. You look pretty handsome yourself. Let me get my shoes on.”

She slides her feet into her heels that now give her an extra three inches. She’s still shorter than me, but now I don’t have to bend down as far to kiss her. I imagine what her plump red lips would feel like against mine. My dick twitches in my slacks. Shit.Stop thinking about kissing her.

“I got you something. A friendly gift. No big deal.” I hold out the gift bag to her.

Her gaze flits from me then to the bag and back to me. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

I inhale a deep breath, unsure of why I’m so nervous. “I know. But I saw it and knew you’d like it.”

Her fingers slide under the ribbon handle. With her other hand she pushes tissue paper to the side as she peers inside. A small gasp of surprise escapes her. When she glances up at me, her eyes are as wide as her smile. “Oh Connor…” She pulls out the exact porcelain bookstore figurine she showed me previously. “This is too much. This costs too much. Let me give you something.” She moves to grab her purse, but I stop her.

“No. I don’t want anything. I couldn’t bear the idea of you having an incomplete Christmas village. It’s not very Christmas of you. So really, it’s more of a gift for me.”

She exhales a small laugh. “You’re so full of it.” She stares down at the figurine for a moment then up at me. “Thank you.” Rising on her tippy toes, she presses a kiss to my cheek, just above my beard.

I’m a step behind her as she strolls into the living room. After she sets the bookstore in the empty space of her Christmas village, I freeze, holding my breath.

Her eyebrows knit together. “What’s that look for?”

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